HISTORY: The Market Ghost Tour was created by Mercedes Yaeger. Her father, Michael, was one of several people who told ghost stories on Halloween night in the Market. She grew up hearing all of the ghost stories. She started building the Market Ghost Tour in 2004, one of the original ghost tours in the USA. Mercedes was a guest on GAC's episode about Kells in 2010. She works with local paranormal researchers and appears with other NW authors at fundraising events throughout the region. Her book Market Ghost Stories is for sale at the tour shop.
The company has grown and now offers three tours, Market Ghost Tour, Seattle Lust Tour & The Chapel Tour (inside the Butterworth Mortuary.) You can do each one and find that they are entirely different from each other. The guides are trained in paranormal research, improv and storytelling. Read about the guides by clicking HERE. The Market Ghost Tour and Seattle Lust Tour are offered year round every weekend. Between April and the first part of November there are additional tours almost every day of the week. The Chapel Tour is seasonal and runs February-November.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I don’t believe in ghosts, is the ghost tour appropriate for me?
Of course, it is a historical tour and a ghost tour. You will be entertained even if you are not a “believer”. The tour is filled with eccentric history and there are no costumes, lanterns, or graves being dug up.
Are there other ghost tours in Seattle?
Yes! There are several ghost tours in Seattle. Market Ghost Tours are in the Pike Place Market. We recommend two other tours in Seattle; Private Eye on Seattle Tours are bus tours that explore many areas of Seattle. Spooked in Seattle Tours offer tours of Pioneer Square.
Why is the Lust Tour over 18?
The Lust Tour is based on the 1970s in Seattle, a time when First Avenue was known for the variety of 'flesh' for sale. We expose the dirty history of the city and because of the content, children are not welcome on this tour.
Is the ghost tour appropriate for children?
Children love the tour however the subject matters can be a little confusing and frightening. Please note in advance that some of the conversation is adult in nature. Questions about ghosts, death, enemas, brothels etc... may come up after the tours. Accompanied children six and under do not need a ticket and are free to attend the tour.
Can you guarantee that I will see a ghost on the ghost tour?
This question is really based on your own beliefs, but no, ghosts do not appear on command. We are not in controlled environments or taking the time a ghost hunt would require. This is a walking tour about the ghosts of Pike Place and the history of Seattle. If you are interested in ghost hunting we recommend the group WSPIR, Washington State Paranormal Investigations and Research.
Can I take pictures on the ghost tour?
Yes, and occasionally people do get orbs or other strange images on the ghost tour. The Market at night is very beautiful on its own and worth bringing a camera for. During the day, the displays, vegetables and people are perfect for photography. If you are interested in photography there is a great tour in the area called Shutter Tours that we highly recommend.
